bridging the gap between the rising and the retiring generations
TRANSCRIPT
Bridging the Gap between the Rising and the Retiring Generations!
Shira HarringtonFounder & President, Purposeful Hire
Kids These Days!
“Children today are tyrants.
They contradict their parents, gobble their food and tyrannize their
teachers.”
Socrates (470-399 B.C.)
Disclaimers About the Generations
Generational diversity vs. age diversity
People are individuals
Use to archetype, not to stereotype!
What Shaped the Traditionalists?Traditionalist1915 - 1945
• Hard work• Sacrifice• Respect for authority• Following the rules• Frugality• Military focus• God and country
Traditionalist Values
What Shaped the Baby Boomers?Baby Boomer1946 - 1964
• Bucked the system then…• Learned to respect authority• Live to work• Pay your dues• Face time• Career-focused• Competitive• Long-tenured jobs• Women in leadership• Diversity / Civil rights
Baby Boomer Values
Baby Boomers Today
• Sandwiched generation• Facing financial crisis• Can’t retire or don’t want to• Long life expectancy
What Shaped Generation X?
Generation X1965 - 1980
• Independence• Self-reliance• Cynicism• Questions authority• Entrepreneurism• Work to live• Work-life balance
Generation X Values
What Shaped the Millennials?
Millennial1981 - 2000
• High expectations / Self-esteem• Strong parental influence• Global diversity• Saving the environment• Tech-focused• Team oriented• Work-life integration• Multi-tasking• Rapid career advancement• Frequent feedback• Question everything• Personal branding
Millennial Values
Millennials TodayFacing massive college debt61% of recent grads unemployed or underemployed“Recessionistas”—tight budget but trendyWant to innovate but fear failingAfraid of commitmentUnlimited opportunities--seeking adventuresWant to change the worldHyper connected to global network
Generational Values
Loyalty
Respect for Authority
Need for Feedback
“Paying Dues”
Work-life Balance
Multitasking
Comfort with Technology
• It’s cool!Under 35
• It’s just a tool.Over 35
Process Improvement
Innovation and Risk Taking
Communication
Discuss with your neighbor
What is one thing you could do to raise the level of engagement in your multigenerational
workforce?
Questions?
Shira HarringtonFounder & PresidentPurposeful Hire, Inc.
www.purposefulhire.com